News

May 5, 2009

Firms bid for Scranton School biz

Nutrition Inc. and Aramark each up ante in attempt to get contract for food service.

RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

SCRANTON -- Two competing food service companies hoping to win the contract for the Scranton School District pled their cases in front of the school board Monday night.

At one point, an executive from Nutrition Inc., the current provider, presented a check for $400,000 to the board, leaving it at the head table as a guarantee to the district.

Representatives from the competing company, Aramark, also promised the district money in the form of $373,000 in contract “returns” to the district.

The amounts the companies would return to the district represent what they would provide in cost savings in return for the contract.

But the board could not make a decision and the vote was tabled for further discussion.

About 20 food service workers who supported maintaining Nutrition Inc. left in disgust when the decision was halted. According to board member and food services chairman Robert Lesh, Aramark’s contract included cuts in personnel allowing the firm to surpass the $125,000 return guaranteed from Nutrition Inc.

Managers from both companies stood up and swore their contracts did not include any personnel cutbacks.

Lesh asked district solicitor Harry McGrath to review the contract proposals again to ensure there are no stipulations that can be considered unfair.

McGrath said he would need a week to review the contracts again to satisfy the board’s questions. However, he noted the district is asking for another review at the “12th hour,” essentially fostering what could almost be considered a bidding war.

Board member Todd Hartman admonished Aramark saying that when it was the food service provider for the district eight years ago, it did not honor its promise to provide a dedicated administrator. Hartman said the district ended up sharing an administrator with another district. Representatives from Aramark denied Hartman’s claims, adding there were incorrect “perceptions.”

Lesh said adequate public records exist to back up Hartman’s claims.

Board member Kathleen McGuigan said the board is choosing a provider based on how much money the provider was going to give the district.

The board might meet again on May 14 to iron out the contract. A decision is needed soon to ensure the food services for the district summer programs, said Lesh.

In other business, the board voted unanimously to appoint acting superintendent William King as the superintendent of the Scranton School District for a four year term. According to board member and chairman of the personnel committee, King will earn a salary of $127,500.

Board member Pat O’Malley lauded King’s “competitiveness” and his ability to work up through the ranks to earn the position. O’Malley said King sets an example for other employees of the district.

During the superintendent’s report, King stressed the district is "monitoring" any potential swine flu occurrences throughout the district. Student absenteeism and occurrence of respiratory illness of any students or staff will be reviewed, he said.

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